Tiwanaku is one of the most important ancient civilizations in the world and more is being learnt about it every day. For anyone with an interest in the history of Andean cultures and archaeology it is a worth while day trip from La Paz. This archaeological site of is a little over 70Km west from the city of La Paz towards the border town of Desaguadero.
The site was first recorded in written history by Spanish conquistador Pedro Cieza de León. He came upon the remains of Tiwanaku in 1549 while searching for the Inca capital Qullasuyu.
This archaeological site of Tiwanaku (Tiahaunaco) is a little over 70Km west from the city of La Paz towards the border town of Desaguadero. Tiwanaku (also spelt Tiahuanaco and Tiahuanacu) was founded around 200 BC and after many years it grew from a small village to much larger city with population estimated anywhere between 200,000 to 1.4 million inhabitants in the period around 600 to 800 AD. At its peak Tiwanaku (Tihaunaco) was the most important city and civilization center in the whole of continent and its influence can be seen in vast areas of modern day Bolivia, Peru and Argentina. It is believed that the people of the city of Tiwanaku (Tihaunaco) where more advanced in pottery, astronomy and math than the Incas whom they predated.
Although the Tiwanaku (Tihaunaco) site is still under investigation large areas have been uncovered and many parts restored. Your guide will talk you through the history of the Tiwanaku (Tihaunaco) site and in both museums. For those who have visited sites in Peru you will be interested to find how Tiwanaku (Tihaunaco)influenced many of the other civilizations further north.
Tour Itinerary
A visit to the site of Tiwanaku (Tihaunaco) takes a couple of hours and some of the areas you will visit and learn about include:
- Puerte del Sol – The Gateway of the Sun
- Puerta del Luna – The Gateway of the Moon
- Kalasasaya – 130m x 120m ritual platform with impressive steps
- Template Semi Subterraneo – 26m x 28m sunken pit with 178 carved stone faces
- 2 Museums at the Site
Tiwanaku (Tihaunaco) is one of the most important ancient civilizations in the world and more is being learnt about it every day. For anyone with an interest in the history of Andean cultures and archaeology it is a worth while day trip from La Paz.
INCLUDED IN TOUR
- Transportation and pick up from your central Hotel or Hostel
- Guide – English and Spanish speaking
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR
- Entrance Fees – 80bs total
- Travel Insurance
- Water / extra beverages
- Meals and snacks
- Sunglasses & Sun cream
- Insect Repellent
- Tips for guides
